~ Psalm 119:89,"Forever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven"

– Not Why, But What? –

2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness”
__________

To give thanks in every situation and not ask the Lord why sometimes is most difficult. When your body is wracked with pain, or you have learned that you have a physical problem for which there is no cure, or you have lost your job, or a cherished relationship has been broken, it’s hard not to cry out, “O Lord, why do You allow these things?” Ruth Paxson was a missionary to China during the nineteenth century. She told the story of a woman she met on a train in Finland. The first thing Miss Paxson noticed was her radiant face. Then she observed the woman had a steel hook in place of a right hand. As they talked, Miss Paxson learned that she had been a missionary in India, had contracted a serious lung disease, and was sent home. She returned to her native Finland and bought a farm. One day, while working on the threshing machine, her right hand was severed. She told Miss Paxson, “When my hand was cut off, I immediately looked up to my Lord and said, ‘Lord, what do You want me to do now that my right hand is gone? What work? I’m not asking why, but what?’” God later used her to turn her farm into a home for elderly Christians, bringing blessings to many.
__________

Closing thoughts:

Usually when an accident or crippling disease strikes or when we encounter disappointments that perplex and bother us, we often cry out, “O Lord, why do You allow these things to happen?” It’s natural for us to question God’s workings, but continually asking why can delay the demonstration of His strength and purpose for it. Even though our present trials may be heartbreaking, the all-wise heavenly Father wants to strengthen our faith and demonstrate the sufficiency of His mercy, grace and love through our trials. My brethren, that can only happen if we get beyond asking why, and say, “What do You have for me now, Lord?” Our Father, may our faithfulness to you in the midst of our suffering and trials be used to deliver a powerful witness to those who don’t know your Son, Jesus Christ, as Lord and Savior of their life.

When trouble seeks to rob your very breath,
When tragedy hits hard and steals your days,
Recall that Christ endured the sting of death;
He gives us hope, and merits all our praise – Gustafson
__________

Those who bless God in their trials will be blest by God through their trials.